2025 AAPI Power Players

Aminta is co-founder of Sadhana, an organization merging the values at the heart of social justice with those at the heart of Hinduism. Through Sadhana, Aminta has been a prominent voice of interfaith activism. Aminta is also the founder and executive director of South Queens Women’s March (SQWM), a nonprofit working to promote equity among women and girls through mutual aid, curbing violence, promoting wellness, amplifying civic engagement, advancing the arts and empowering youth.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my mother Sheorani Kilawan. Coming from humble beginnings in Guyana, she taught me how to lead with empathy, uplift my culture, and have respect for all. Community organizing begins at home; first with individual awareness, building trust and ultimately moving towards collective action. Women in my culture may not have held traditional leadership roles, but certainly they are often the first and best leaders we know. That’s my mom to me.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Neighboring SQWM’s office in Little Guyana are several women owned businesses. Green Leaf Bistro, co-owned by Tashanie Jameer, strives to bring healthy food options to people that have historically had a high incidence of diabetes and heart disease. Shivram’s Bakery, co-owned by Tara Shivram, promotes Caribbean culture with some of the best baked plait bread. Diya Flowers by Shanta is compassionately there for families who need floral arrangements in happy times and sad ones.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
After an eight year journey struggling with recurrent miscarriages and one late pregnancy loss, in October 2024 I became the proud mother of Tushaan and Nanda. While I’ve held many titles in my life, I am most proud of this one. Raising children is my life’s greatest honor and responsibility. Separately, countless women struggle silently with infertility in the AAPI community. Sharing my story has opened the floodgates for a network of sisterhood traditionally stigmatized.

Since the tragic 1992 LA riots, Kim has been dedicated to advancing the civic empowerment of Korean Americans. His efforts began with establishing KACE with initiatives to boost voter-turnout and gradually expanded into broader community organizing. Through his leadership, civic engagement has grown nationwide, culminating in achievements such as a U.S. Congressional resolution advocating for international peace through historical reckoning for war crimes. Today, Kim is focused on nurturing the next generation of community leadership.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
The first Korean-American senator, Paull Shin of Washington State, emphasized that Koreans should work hard to become respected members of American society. He believed that such efforts benefit not only Korean Americans and their homeland, but also contribute meaningfully to the United States. His legacy reminds us that dedication and perseverance can create lasting impact across communities, fostering mutual respect and strengthening the bonds between cultures.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Korean American Civic Empowerment (KACE) is a New York-based nonprofit organization committed to promoting civic engagement and community participation among Korean Americans. Through educational programs, leadership training, and grassroots internships, KACE empowers individuals to become active, informed members of society. By fostering a strong sense of civic duty and cultural identity, KACE nurtures future community leaders who contribute meaningfully to the well-being and unity of both the Korean American community and the broader public.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I am proud of the remarkable work our high school students accomplished as participants in the KACE Grassroots Internship Program. Through dedicated civic engagement, they helped reform unreasonable traffic regulations in Flushing, Queens, and played a key role in installing a public memorial honoring comfort women in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Their passion and leadership exemplify the power of youth activism in shaping a more just and aware society.

Assembly Member Ron Kim is the first Korean American elected official to ever serve in New York. Since his historic election in 2012, he has supported and helped elect a record number of female and fellow Asian American colleagues to join him in public office. He is the chair of the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee, and the former chair of the Aging Committee.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My wife, Alison Tan. She is the smartest person I know and has grown into an industry leader while being an amazing mother to our three daughters.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Ma-Yi Theater – it is one of the nation’s leading models for fostering Asian American talent in theater production, writing, and acting.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’ve had many successful budget and policy wins in the last 12 years, including making Lunar New Year a citywide holiday, fighting for small businesses who can’t afford egregious insurance costs, and restoring the rights of nursing home families. However, I feel most proud of punching up and holding giant corporations and mega-nonprofits accountable to rebuild a functioning and effective public-private balance.

Shekar Krishnan is the NYC Council member for District 25, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Woodside, Queens, three of the most diverse immigrant communities in the world. He is the first Indian-American ever elected to the City Council and a staunch advocate for AAPI communities. As parks chair, Shekar has fought for equitable access to parks and expanding green space for social, racial, and immigrant justice, and negotiated the highest budget ever for NYC Parks.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I draw my strength and energy from the immigrant workers of our community – essential workers like our taxi drivers, who sacrifice so much every day, not only for their families, but to move our city forward. They are our neighbors and my constituents. It’s an honor to serve them, and I’m always grateful to them.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Cafe Catmandoo is a relatively new business in my district on 72nd St and Roosevelt Ave. They open their doors to anyone who wants to stop in for a chai or momos – whether because they have a few minutes to spare while waiting for the train or bus or looking to catch up with friends. They’re a positive presence in our neighborhood and we’re always proud to partner with them on community events.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Over my tenure in the City Council, I’ve been able to fight for and allocate $32 million for Elmhurst Hospital, which was there for our community throughout the pandemic. I’m so proud to have funded the first ever hand surgery clinic. This clinic is critical for our immigrant construction workers, who can’t put food on the table if they get hurt on the job. These types of investments keep our community strong.

Joanne Kwong is the president of Pearl River Mart, the iconic NYC Asian emporium. After the 2016 closing of the historic store, she joined her in-laws to reinvent the brand, establishing new locations in SoHo, Chelsea, and Flushing. Today, Pearl River remains the joyful shopping experience beloved by generations, and now serves as a hub and springboard for entrepreneurs and artists. Joanne is the daughter of Chinese-Filipino immigrants and attended NYC public schools.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I draw inspiration from badass, no-nonsense, resilient women who boldly changed the institutions around themselves. Women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Connie Chung, Nancy Pelosi, Yuri Kochiyama, Helen Zia, and Anna Quindlen, to name just a few.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I was recently appointed by Senator Chuck Schumer to the U.S. Congressional Commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, hopefully to be built on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Our community needs this! The Commission will produce a report that will be the first step to seeing the museum come to fruition. If you want to become involved, send us a note at nationalapamuseum.org!

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Every spring, I host a raucous staff dinner and it makes me proud to see how our team (and company) has evolved. Our employees used to be mostly Chinese immigrants. Today we span Silent Generation to Gen Z; are comprised of all races and many ethnicities; and speak dozens of languages and come from different parts of the country. It’s a microcosm of NYC. I’m also proud that my in-laws can enjoy real vacations now!

Rev. Lai is secretary/treasurer of Healthcare Choices NY, a FQHC that provides thousands of medical encounters, bringing accessible care to the underserved population. As chairman of the advisory board at Salvation Army Bensonhurst Corps, he worked hard to keep their door open to provide social services and activities to the AAPI community. As SVP of business development, his unique implementation of AAPI initiatives in multiple SNF has resulted in the sharp increase of AAPI service capacity in NYC.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My late grandmother (Mama), a Godly woman, her entire life was dedicated towards serving God and serving others. My motto, serve God by serving others was inspired by her.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Shout out to The Salvation Army Bensonhurst Corps where I serve as chairman of the advisory board. The community center has over 2000 members on its roster, mostly AAPI, and has a daily attendance of over 250, providing social services and an array of activities for older adults.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
When Mayor Eric Adams asked me about nursing home services over dinner, I realized I must be doing something right. Over the years, I have earned my way to becoming a veteran in the health care industry and I am very proud of my contributions in keeping NYC healthy and strong.

Assembly Member Grace Lee represents District 65 in Lower Manhattan, which includes Chinatown, the Financial District and Lower East Side. She is the first Korean-American woman to serve in the state legislature and chair of the Assembly’s Asian Pacific American Task Force. She has championed historic victories for the AAPI community, including making Lunar New Year a statewide school holiday, strengthening New York’s hate crimes laws, and securing record funding for nonprofits serving Asian New Yorkers.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My three daughters are undoubtedly my biggest inspiration. My political career started in community organizing, driven by the need to protect hundreds of children, including my own, from a toxic Brownfield site across from their school. Everyday as I legislate I think about what kind of future I’m leaving for my children. I want them to grow up in a more just, equitable, and sustainable world – and I’m working to build that future.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I recently stood with store owners in Manhattan’s Chinatown that are being deeply hurt by the federal tariffs on China. Businesses like K&K Discount, Grand Tea and Imports, and New Kam Man Market, have weathered disasters from 9/11, to Superstorm Sandy, then the Covid-19 pandemic, and now immense import costs. Small businesses are the cultural and economic fabric of the community and need our support. I encourage everyone to come shop in Chinatown!

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest moment was seeing schools across New York close in observance of Lunar New Year for the first time this past year. Growing up, I never imagined Asian Americans would be recognized statewide. Now, my daughters share their culture openly and with joy. I’m proud to have led the effort making New York the first state to recognize this holiday – it was a deeply personal milestone for my family and for the community.

Justine leads the development and management of all artist and organization-focused programs at Asian American Arts Alliance, a nonprofit serving AAPI artists and cultural groups across disciplines. Previously, she facilitated bridge-building conversations featured on NPR, The New York Times, and CBS Evening News. Her AAPI advocacy includes work with Hyphen Magazine, Chinese for Affirmative Action, CAAM, and the Self Evident podcast. Justine advises WE ACT, an environmental justice nonprofit, and resides in Astoria, Queens.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My mother, my husband, and my daughter because they have taught me how to live in the present, love with my whole heart, and take care of myself – giving me the space and rest that I need to better serve my community.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
STORM Bookstore is a cultural sanctuary dedicated to amplifying voices from the SWANA region. Their team organizes family-friendly programming and artist-led workshops including story time in Arabic, crafting with root vegetables, Sudanese henna art, and Syrian block printing to name a few. I’d also like to give a shout out to Land to Sea, Think!Chinatown, and Immigrant Social Services for the work they do at the intersection of art and activism.

Council Member Linda Lee represents the 23rd Council District in Eastern Queens. She was elected to the Council in November 2021, becoming the first Korean-American ever elected to the City Council, and the first woman to hold the seat. Council Member Lee currently chairs the New York City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions. 

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Grace Meng has long been an inspiration within the AAPI community. As a friend and mentor over the years, she has shown unwavering commitment to advancing women’s health and championing AAPI representation. She continues to set a powerful example of what true public service looks like.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
There are several organizations that are dedicated to providing essential services to uplift our AAPI New Yorkers. Korean Community Services has served our community by providing mental health services, food assistance, and outreach to older adults in need.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
As chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction, I led in the creation of the New York City Council’s Mental Health Roadmap to create better outcomes for New Yorkers. Following the decades of disinvestment in our health care infrastructure, New York City needed a blueprint to lead us out of the mental health crisis.

Michael Lee, a native New Yorker with Chinatown roots, is the president of the Museum of Chinese in America. He was previously managing director of corporate development at the New York Institute of Finance and executive director of Apex for Youth. Lee also served as director of development at the Committee of 100. He holds degrees from New York University and the University of Pennsylvania and serves on several nonprofit boards.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign was my biggest inspiration. Witnessing a person of color unite the country and make history as the first African American president filled me with pride as an American. His message of hope and change, and the way he conducted himself, inspired me to believe in our nation’s potential. I wish I could have experienced Martin Luther King Jr.’s era, but Obama’s campaign made a lasting impact on me.

Is there a AAPI-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I want to spotlight AAPI-owned businesses in Manhattan’s Chinatown that serve the community daily. New Cameron Bakery offers affordable hot dog and steamed buns that I buy for my kids. Anpanman Bakery Cafe and Kam Hing Coffee Shop are my favorite morning coffee spots. May Wah Fast Food is beloved for its flavorful soups, especially hot and sour soup. These businesses provide essential meals to people working in the neighborhood.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment in my career has been my first year as president of MOCA. Guiding the museum through challenges and elevating the stories of Chinese in America has been deeply rewarding. I’m also proud of helping build Apex for Youth in my early years there and seeing it thrive, retain its values, and unite the community. I just saw two of the mentees this week. Witnessing both organizations’ lasting impact is something I cherish.